How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
For a Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor like model 917275020, a complete engine replacement typically costs $700 to $2,500 installed. The biggest cost driver is the exact replacement engine that matches your crankshaft and charging system; labor commonly runs 4 to 8 hours.
Typical cost ranges (engine plus labor)
- Replacement engine: $500 to $1,900 (varies by horsepower, crankshaft size, and alternator output)
- Labor: $300 to $900 (shop rate times 4 to 8 hours)
- Extra parts and supplies: $50 to $300 (belts, fuel line items, filters, hardware)
Quick breakdown table
| Cost item | Typical range | What changes the price most |
|---|---|---|
| Engine (long block or complete) | $500 to $1,900 | Crankshaft diameter/length, mounting pattern, electrical output |
| Labor | $300 to $900 | Rusted fasteners, wiring repairs, deck removal time |
| Add-on parts | $50 to $300 | Fuel system refresh, PTO clutch condition, belts/pulleys |
What to confirm before buying an engine
We use these checks to avoid replacing an engine when the issue is electrical, fuel, or safety interlock related:
- Verify the operator presence and interlock system works; the tractor should only start with the brake depressed and PTO disengaged (see the 917275020 owner’s manual).
- If it clicks but will not crank, test the battery, cables, solenoid, and starter circuit.
- If it cranks but will not start, confirm fuel flow and ignition before condemning the engine.
- If fuel delivery is inconsistent, inspect the tank and shutoff routing; a restriction can mimic engine failure.
Parts that often come up during engine-related repairs
These are common “while you’re in there” items for this model when diagnosing no-start or intermittent starting:
- Pto switch 582107601 (interlock can prevent cranking or kill spark)
- Molded ignition key 532140403 (worn key can cause intermittent contact)
- Lawn tractor fuel tank 532151346 (contamination or leaks can cause repeated no-start issues)
Why it matters
Engine swaps are high-cost repairs. Matching the replacement engine to the original crankshaft and electrical system, and ruling out interlock, battery, and fuel problems first, prevents wasted parts and repeat failures.
Last updated: February 2026
What brand engine does Craftsman use?
Craftsman lawn tractors can use engines from several manufacturers, but many Craftsman riders are commonly equipped with Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, or Kawasaki engines depending on the specific tractor and production run. For your Craftsman model 917275020, the exact engine brand and identification details are listed in the owner's manual.
How to confirm the engine brand on model 917275020
We recommend verifying the engine maker using the engine ID label and the manual so you match the correct tune-up and fuel system parts.
- Look for an engine label on the blower housing or near the valve cover
- Record the engine model, type, and code/spec numbers
- Compare those numbers to the engine information section in the manual
- Use the engine numbers (not just the tractor model) when selecting filters, spark plugs, and belts
- If decals are missing or unreadable, use the manual parts diagrams to narrow down the engine family
Common engine brands you will see on Craftsman riders
Across Craftsman riding mowers and garden tractors, these are the most common engine suppliers.
| Engine brand | What it affects most | What to look for on the engine tag |
|---|---|---|
| Briggs & Stratton | Tune-up parts, carburetor, ignition | Model / Type / Code |
| Kohler | Fuel system parts, charging system | Model / Spec |
| Kawasaki | Carburetion, ignition, air filtration | Model / Spec / Serial |
Why it matters
The tractor model number 917275020 identifies the chassis and mower deck, but the engine brand and engine model determine the correct maintenance items (air filter, oil filter, spark plug) and many troubleshooting steps (no-start, hard-start, surging).
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is a Craftsman 6.75 lawn mower?
A “Craftsman 6.75” is not one single model; 6.75 typically describes the engine rating used on many Craftsman walk-behind mowers. For the equipment on this page, the model number is Craftsman 917.275020 (a 23.0 HP, 48-inch front-engine lawn tractor); confirm your exact model on the ID label and in the owner's manual.
How to find the correct Craftsman model number
Use the model number from the mower or tractor ID tag, not the engine cover.
- Look for a sticker or metal tag under the seat, on the frame rail, or near the rear fender
- Write down the full model number exactly as shown (for example, 917.275020)
- Also record the product number and serial number if listed
- If you have the manual, match the model number on the cover to your tag
- Avoid using “6.75” alone; it is not specific enough to select parts
“6.75” walk-behind mower vs. 917.275020 lawn tractor
These are different product types, so parts and manuals do not interchange.
| Item you have | What “6.75” usually means | What you need for parts lookup |
|---|---|---|
| Walk-behind mower | Engine power class on many 21-inch mowers | The walk-behind mower model number from the deck tag |
| Riding lawn tractor (this page) | Not applicable | 917.275020 (tractor model number) |
Why it matters
Using the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong blades, belts, ignition parts, or deck hardware. For example, this tractor uses a 48-inch mower deck and has model-specific deck and engine parts listed in the manual.
Parts examples for Craftsman 917.275020 (if you are repairing this tractor)
If your tag shows 917.275020, these are common part types you may see in the parts list:
- Pto switch 582107601 (engages the mower deck clutch circuit)
- Electric clutch 532414737 (drives the mower deck when PTO is on)
- Molded ignition key 532140403 (starting and key switch operation)
- Lawn tractor fuel tank 532151346 (fuel storage for the engine)
Last updated: February 2026
What year was Craftsman 917275020 made?
Craftsman lawn tractor model 917275020 was sold across multiple production runs rather than a single model year. The exact year for your specific tractor is identified on the product identification label (typically under the seat or on the frame) and is referenced in the owner's manual.
How to find the exact year on your tractor
We use the ID label information because it ties your specific serial/production code to a build date.
- Park on a flat surface, set the parking brake, and remove the key.
- Lift the seat and look for the product identification label (often under the seat pan or on the rear fender/frame area).
- Write down the model number (917275020) and the serial number exactly as shown.
- Compare the label details to the identification information and parts diagrams in the owner's manual.
- If the label is damaged, check for a second label on the frame rail near the engine or rear axle area.
What we can confirm from the documentation
The manual confirms the model family and configuration for this tractor (23.0 HP, electric start, 48-inch mower deck, automatic transmission), which helps match the correct parts and diagrams even when the exact year varies.
| Item | What it tells you | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Confirms the correct parts list and diagrams | ID label, manual cover |
| Serial number | Identifies the specific production run (used to determine year) | ID label under seat/frame |
| Engine model | Helps match engine-related parts and service info | Engine section of manual |
Why it matters
The production year affects small but important fit details such as wiring, safety interlock switches, steering components, and deck hardware. Using the ID label plus the manual prevents ordering the wrong Craftsman riding mower and tractor parts.
Last updated: February 2026





